By: TTW News Desk

Asia Pacific is still at the forefront of air travel, with the Jeju–Seoul (CJU–GMP) route taking the title of the world’s busiest in 2024, says the latest International Air Transport Association (IATA) World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) report. The route carried a remarkable 13.2 million travelers over the past year, reinforcing the region’s leadership in global aviation.

IATA’s report reveals that Asia Pacific is home to nine of the ten most traveled routes in the world. The only route outside the region in the top ten is Jeddah to Riyadh (JED–RUH) in Saudi Arabia, which ranked ninth. Asia Pacific’s surge in air travel shows no signs of slowing, with more passengers flying and a steady growth in both domestic and international services.

Jeju-Seoul: The World’s Busiest Air Route

The Jeju-Seoul route remains the busiest air corridor on the planet. As the main domestic flight path in South Korea, it seamlessly links Jeju Island, famous for its stunning beaches and volcanic landscapes, with Seoul, the nation’s capital and economic center. Ranked as the number-one route for 2024, it shows how often people travel between the two, whether for vacation, work, or family reunions.

Jeju Island is a top getaway, drawing millions of travelers each year. Its lava tubes, waterfalls, and UNESCO parks make it a must-see. Most visitors fly, wanting speedy access to Seoul’s city life. After restrictions eased, the tourism rebound helped push more travelers onto this route, driving the already impressive passenger counts even higher.

Asia Pacific: Leading the Way in Air Travel

Asia Pacific remains the beating heart of global aviation. The newest statistics confirm the region’s commanding position. After the popular Jeju-Seoul link, Asia’s busiest routes include Tokyo-Osaka, Beijing-Shanghai, and Bangkok-Singapore. Each of these corridors serves both large domestic markets and vital international hubs, keeping the entire region tightly connected.

Connections between China and Japan show the strength of business, tourism, and regional mobility. Travelers flock between Tokyo and Shanghai for trade deals, sightseeing, and family matters. The same pattern holds for Singapore and Bangkok, where the Lion City serves as a finance and tourism magnet, boosting frequent flights in both directions.

The IATA’s World Air Transport Statistics report highlights another key point: Asia Pacific does well in both short hops and long-haul journeys. After setbacks from the pandemic, tourism is roaring back, guiding travelers to Asia’s iconic beaches, mountains, and cities. Regional airlines have answered the call, adding flights to meet the wave of demand from both regional and long-haul travelers.

Jeddah–Riyadh: The Lone Non-Asia Pacific Route in the Global Top 10

Even though the Asia Pacific region stands at the very top of the list, the air corridor between Jeddah and Riyadh now ranks 9th in the world. This link is crucial, whether for business traders catching meetings in the capital or for pilgrims starting their journey to Mecca, the most sacred city in Islam, right from Jeddah. Riyadh, as the nation’s political seat and expanding economic hub, pulls in many travelers.

Recent years have seen big leaps in passenger numbers. More flights and a growing appetite for travel inside Saudi Arabia produced the jump in demand. Being the sole non-Asia Pacific entry in the top 10 does more than surprise; it highlights Saudi Arabia’s expanding aviation market. Continued public and private investments in airports and expanded flight schedules mean even more options for anyone traveling inside the kingdom.

Asia Pacific Leads on Home-Grown Travel

Asia Pacific’s number one position is still anchored in its vast domestic market. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea, with their huge populations and swelling ranks of middle-class spenders, keep short and medium routes packed. The rise of budget carriers flying these sectors for a fare that won’t break the bank only adds fuel to the fire. Growing cities and longer holidays mean packed flights from morning to night across the region.

Asia’s push to connect its cities better is helping air travel soar. Airlines are launching new routes to keep up with demand, and airports in Tokyo, Seoul, Bangkok, and Singapore are enlarging terminals and runways to welcome even more travelers.

IATA’s World Air Transport Statistics (WATS) 2024: Overview

IATA’s WATS report is the go-to guide for spotting where air travel is heading. It shows the busiest flight routes, total passenger numbers, and the changing landscape of the airline industry. This year’s data shows that the main routes in Asia Pacific are getting most of the attention, as the region’s travel comeback is faster and stronger than anywhere else.

With air travel booming, Asia Pacific nations are pouring money into new airports, longer runways, and upgraded terminals. China, India, and several Southeast Asian countries are gearing up for even more passengers as their economies grow and as international tourists choose the region as a top destination.

Conclusion

Asia Pacific once again dominates the world’s busiest air routes in 2024, confirming the area’s vital place in global aviation. The Jeju-Seoul link, now the most-flown route on the planet, highlights skyrocketing demand fueled by tourism, business, and domestic tourism. Meanwhile, Jeddah-Riyadh breaks the region’s sweep, the lone non-Asia Pacific route in the top 10, underlining Saudi Arabia’s booming domestic travel scene.

Continued investment in airports, expanded regional links, and new global connections will keep Asia Pacific firmly at the forefront of air travel. Passengers eager to explore the region’s lively cities and stunning landscapes will enjoy an abundance of flight choices, cementing Asia Pacific’s status as the top pick for both business trips and vacations.